Arcane Mage PvP Stat Priority, Gear, and Trinkets — Midnight Pre-Patch (12.0)

The stat priority for Arcane Mage in PvP is as follows:

1. Intellect;
2. Haste;
3. Versatility;
4. Mastery;
5. Critical Strike.

Intellect is the best stat in all situations. Haste is the best secondary stat. This stat will reduce your global cooldown and the cast times of important spells like Polymorph, as well as overall damage spells. This is followed by Versatility, which will reduce the damage you take while also increasing the damage you deal. Finally, Mastery will be the next targeted stat as it will increase your damage.

In general, Arcane Mages want to get trinkets that line up well with Arcane Surge/ Touch of the Magi. These trinkets can have a passive or on-use effect. The stats you want to be increasing are Versatility and Haste. Please refer to our dedicated page for more information about Arcane Mages and your rotation in PvP.

Below, you will find our current BiS list.

• Head: Astral Gladiator's Silk Cap
• Neck: Algari Competitor's Amulet - Crafted with Versatility & Haste
• Shoulders: Augur's Ephemeral Orbs of Power
• Cloak: Reshii Wraps - With Haste
• Chest: Augur's Ephemeral Habiliments
• Wrists: Astral Gladiator's Silk Armbands
• Hands: Augur's Ephemeral Mitts
• Waist: Astral Gladiator's Silk Cord
• Legs: Augur's Ephemeral Trousers
• Feet: Algari Competitor's Cloth Treads - Crafted with Versatility & Haste
• Ring 1: Algari Competitor's Signet - Crafted with Versatility & Haste
• Ring 2: Algari Competitor's Signet - Crafted with Versatility & Haste
• Trinket 1: Astral Gladiator's Medallion
• Trinket 2: Astral Gladiator's Insignia of Alacrity
• 2H Weapon: Astral Gladiator's Staff

Note: It is essential that you wear two PvP trinkets. This will give you a Stamina and stat boost that will in turn increase your survivability.

As noted above, acquiring both your 2-set and 4-set bonus is crucial. It is important to note that ALL tier sets are nerfed to 33% effectiveness in PvP. Although this nerf is significant, tier sets are still important to acquire to maximize your chances to win. For Arcane Mages, this is your tier set:

• 2-set: Damage increased by 6%.
• 4-set: Damage increased by 10%.

Embellishments are bonuses that can be put on crafted gear. These effects can have a drastic impact on the game. You are only allowed to have two Embellishments equipped at the same time. Here are the recommended Embellishments for Arcane Mage:

• Elemental Focusing Lens. This Embellishment causes your damaging spells and abilities to have a chance to deal damage to your target. This is a flat increase to your overall damage output. Craft this on both rings or your neck.
• Ascendance/ Writhing Armor Banding. While in combat, Ascendance grants 89 of a random secondary stat, stacking up to 10 times. Writhing Armor Banding doubles this affect. Overall, this is a good embellishment, but not the best.

Here are the best enchants for an Arcane Mage:

• Cloak: Enchant Cloak - Chant of Burrowing Rapidity
• Chest: Enchant Chest - Crystalline Radiance
• Bracers: Enchant Bracer - Chant of Armored Speed
• Legs: Sunset Spellthread
• Boots: Enchant Boots - Scout's March
• Rings: Enchant Ring - Radiant Haste
• Weapon: Enchant Weapon - Authority of Radiant Power

Versatile Emerald is the best gem you can use. You also get access to a single Meta Gem. Using Cognitive Bloodstone is ideal for the meta slot.